Sir Richard Branson arrived in style at Miami International Airport on Wednesday.

The billionaire founder and president of Virgin Atlantic Airways celebrated 25 years of service between London to Miami, by strutting down the wing of a 747 with UK pop-star Sarah Harding.

"We believe in grand entrances," Branson said. "There's no point in doing something unless you have fun doing it. And that's why Virgin is flying 25 years later."

City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado greeted Branson on the tarmac after he stepped off the Virgin plane. Regalado handed him a gift of Romero Brito artwork as a thank you for bringing business to Miami.

"This is the kind of (person) that we want here in Miami," Regalado said. "He has a mind for business, he understands tourism, he understands South Florida and he wants to do more."

Branson flew in from his private island in the Carribean. He'll spend the next few days celebrating in Miami, where he owns a "flat."

But even when preparing to party, Branson is thinking business. Regalado said Branson thought rainy weather might ruin his marketing moment.